California’s High Sierra harbors some of the most sublime scenery on earth – no doubt this region’s wilderness areas exemplify America’s reasons for creating protected areas. The John Muir Trail winds over the often-snowy High Sierra crest—the original section of the Pacific Crest Trail which helped inspire the other 2,400-some ... Read more
To better protect the southernmost section of the Pacific Crest Trail during the busiest time of year, the Cleveland National Forest’s Descanso Ranger District is restricting overnight camping this spring.
The Descanso Ranger District recently announced changes to its overnight permit system for 2020 affecting the southern 53 miles of ... Read more
As world-wide interest in hiking grows, so has the popularity of the Pacific Crest Trail. More people are going to the mountains for a day, a weekend, or a week. Some of us are fortunate to be able to take longer trips.
The Southern Sierra Nevada are one of the ... Read more
The Pacific Crest Trail passes through 25 national forests, six national parks, seven BLM field offices and five state park units. Across all these jurisdictions, the Pacific Crest Trail Association works with government partners who have spent their careers managing our public lands. Our agency partners work hard to maintain ... Read more
Central Cascades Wilderness Strategy, Willamette and Deschutes national forests.
Note: this has been delayed until 2021 due to COVID-19.
What is this new permit system all about?Visitation to the Central Cascades has increased dramatically in recent years, resulting in overcrowding and impacts to the landscape. The Willamette and Deschutes ... Read more
Are you planning a long-distance hike or horseback ride on the Pacific Crest Trail in 2020? Good for you!
The PCT Long-distance Permit is an interagency permit, for trips of 500 or more continuous miles, that allows you to travel through areas where local wilderness permits would otherwise be required. ... Read more
As we turn the corner on another year, the PCTA introduces new leadership for our Trail Operations staff. Director of Trail Operations Mike Dawson will retire at the end of March, creating advancement opportunities for other staff members.
Mike’s retirement is no surprise. We’ve been working on a transition plan ... Read more
A bill that would amend the 1964 Wilderness Act to allow mountain bikes in wilderness had its first hearing Thursday on Capitol Hill.
The House Natural Resources Committee’s Subcommittee on Federal Lands did not vote on H.R. 1349, but it’s clear that conservation groups have a sustained fight on their ... Read more
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